Belay is a uniquely effective, third-generation neonicotinoid insecticide known for its control of plant bugs (including Lygus species), stink bugs, beetles, aphids and a broad spectrum of other chewing and sucking pests.

New registrations for Belay include cotton, almonds and other tree nuts, cranberry, fig, peach, pomegranate and low bush blueberry. Belay also is now registered in many vegetables such as leafy brassica, cucurbits, fruiting vegetables, leafy vegetables, and tuberous and corm vegetables including sweet potato.

First introduced for use in potatoes in California, Belay provides long-lasting, fast-acting control of a broad spectrum of challenging pests, is softer on insect predators than older chemistries and has a unique fit in IPM programs.

Proven results for new crops

The new crop registrations bring the benefits of Belay to a host of California growers and consultants battling a variety of challenging and yield-robbing pests.

Carlos Granadino, Valent product development manager, said the new California registration for Belay provides many benefits, especially in cotton.

"Cotton PCAs and growers, in particular, have been looking forward to this registration. Belay controls the Western tarnished plant bug (Lygus hesperus)known in California as Lygus bugas well as aphids, stink bugs and other key insect pests on cotton. This broad spectrum control makes Belay an excellent rotational partner with other Lygus control tools," Granadino said. "In addition, Belay is an exceptional IPM tool: it is softer on insect predators than older chemistries, meaning less risk of flaring secondary pests. Without a doubt, these features will make Belay a go-to choice for control of tough pests this cotton season."

In addition to cotton, Granadino said Belay is an excellent fit in many other Western crops, including peppers, tomatoes and sweet potatoes.

"Vegetable field trials have also shown that Belay controls a number of tough-to-control insect pests such as pepper weevil, which is an insect that requires an average of four sprays to control in pepper production," Granadino said. "Belay also controls tough pests such as stink bugs on fruiting vegetables and tree fruits, as well as soil pests (including certain species of wireworm and white grubs) in sweet potatoes. Belay is effective even on tough invasive pests such as the Bagrada and brown marmorated stink bugs, which are growing problems in the U.S."

Granadino said Belay is a welcome tool to growers, consultants and IPM specialists alike.

"We have had excellent support from IR4 with Belay registrations for specialty crops because of its unique performance and excellent fit in IPM programs," Granadino said.